Transgender transformation - One year after surgery

TAMPA (FOX 13) - Transgender transformations aren't just for high profile celebs - like Bruce Jenner, who ultimately became Caitlyn. They happen right here in the Bay area.

In 2014, Dr. Joette Giovinco was in the operating room during a gender reassignment surgery. Now, more than a year later, she met back up with the patient and her family, as they all adjust to their new normal.

Suezie Hawkes said she enjoys riding her red, BMW motorcycle again. 
      
"I disassociated with that for probably about a year. It wasn't the image I associated with, but as I have changed outwardly, I feel so much more comfortable on it now," she explained.

That outward change happened gradually until October 2014, when, in four hours of time, surgeons Dr. Daniel Greenwald and Dr. Jorge Marcet physically transformed Suezie's former self, Ian, into the person she is today.

"I still stand out, and I like to stand out because if I blend too well with what people may perceive as totally feminine... then people don't recognize necessarily transgender. So I'm out there, I'm very bold," Hawkes said.

She believes her boldness will increase acceptance for other transgender individuals, struggling to find their peace. 

In Hawkes’s case, much of her surgery was covered by insurance. That’s because she was diagnosed with a medical condition called gender dysphoria. 

As young as age eight, she remembers cross-dressing and wearing her mother’s clothes. When she was 11, she attempted suicide by asphyxiation, but before losing consciousness, reconsidered. 

With no family support, Hawkes said she felt compelled to hide her true identity and publicly live as a male.

Then, 15 years ago, she married Cheryl. They first connected online when Ian was still in the U.K. 

Cheryl says it was Ian's honesty that attracted her to him, "...and the sense of humor. British have unique sense of humor." 

That honesty gave Cheryl a glimpse of the person trapped inside. 

"I think the person I initially fell in love with and married was really Suezie. That's the way I look at it. That's who she was all along. That's who I saw in the beginning," Cheryl explained.  

Cheryl added, emotional changes overshadow physical ones.  

"I don't see anything diff rent, except more happiness, less stress, we communicate better, we get along better. The love has just grown even more. I didn't think it was possible, but it has," Cheryl said. 

Their son, Jaison, who is now in high school, is supportive. He said he's seen a change in their household.

"A lot less yelling, a lot less demanding," he explained.

As this family redefines the new normal, Hawkes admits the transformation hasn't been an easy one. However, she's grateful for the people around her who helped her succeed.  

"It's rough because you don't look how other people expect you to look, so you stand out," she explained. "To have gone through that transition and come out the other side a better person. To have so much support from family, friends, the community. I'm proud of that."